Thanks to all the love you have given my story! Here is part 3. I am working on a part 4.

Surprise Part 3

3 Years 4 Months old

Ren was lonely. It had been a few days since his Boomma and Boompa left with his auntie and uncle. His Daddy had been busy cooking and the kitchen wasn't set up so he could help. He had thought about doing something with his Dad but he was always lifting weights far too big or napping. His Dad had tried to talk to him alone but it was always awkward and never went very far.

Ren really only knew his Daddy on the ship. He knew the others from stories but hadn't had much time to talk to them. He would play with some of them at times but didn't want to bother anyone. He had learned from an early age not to bother someone while they were working. He was never yelled at but they would get frustrated with him so he stopped. At his home on the Baratie he always had something to do here he didn't.

The little boy sat in the galley at the table while his Daddy worked on yet another feast for the crew. "Daddy what am I supposed to do here?"

"What do you mean?" Sanji asked as he turned around.

"Well at home I trained with Uncle Mihawk and I helped you and Boompa and I played with Auntie Ona and I played with the kids who came with their mommies and daddies and Boomma was teaching me letters and numbers. Here I don't know what to do?" Ren explained.

Sanji saw a hint of sadness in his child's eyes. He knew the truth was more that he was homesick as Ren was sticking close to him after the first day after the initial excitement wore off. It had been okay on Mihawk's ship he had meeting his Dad to look forward too plus he had all the people he usually spent his days with. On the Sunny most everyone was still a stranger. "You can still help me. We just need to have Uncle Franky build a step stool. I need to have a talk with your Dad he needs to be training you like he said he would."

Sanji thought for a bit. There was a ton of teachers on board they just didn't know it yet. He smiled at his son. "Sorry I've been a bit busy. I've been making up for all the time I was away. I'm really glad we're home." He saw the slightly confused look. "We have two homes now and a really big family."

Sanji sat at the table with Ren. "I have an idea. You need to start going to school."

Ren was confused and a little annoyed. He had heard from the older kids that school was boring. He gestured around. "There is no school here."

Sanji picked him up and carried him out on deck. Most everyone was outside as it was nice out with the sun close to setting. Sanji looked around. He found Nami and Robin relaxing in sun chairs. He pointed to the raven haired beauty. "Auntie Robin can teach you how to read and when you get older she can teach you about history. We'll have to get kids books at some point but she's really smart I know she would be a good teacher." He pointed to the orange haired angel. "Auntie Nami is smart too. She can teach you about maps and weather. You don't have your father's horrible sense of direction but in case we get separated on an island I want you to be able to find your way back."

That sounded a bit boring to Ren but if his Daddy thought it was a good idea he would do it. "Ok I guess. "

Sanji saw the captain, sharpshooter and doctor fishing he pointed to them. "They can teach you new games and how to fish and Uncle Usopp loves to tell stories plus he could teach you how to draw." Sanji thought more. "Uncle Brook could teach you about music. Of course Dad needs to start your training back up."

That sounded much more fun to Ren. "Ok I can do that."

Sanji walked with Ren on his hip over to the mikan trees and sat down putting the boy in his lap. He had picked up on the fact that Ren would be scared but wouldn't admit it. Sanji knew it was the environment he grew up in that made him think he had to hide it. He hoped being on the Sunny would open him up that he could show fear but rise above it. "It's ok to be …"

"I'm not scared!" Ren huffed crossing his little arms and pouting.

Sanji ruffled the boy's light green hair. "I was going to say hesitant to spend any time alone with our nakama. But you know they are great people. All of our Baratie family is still there and we can visit them one day but I want you to get to know our nakama and I want you to explore the ship you can go anywhere."

Ren thought for a moment. He still wasn't sure about some of the people and he was worried about some of the dark places on the ship. "Can you go with me?"

"Of course I will." Sanji said. "I'll take you everywhere on the ship. I haven't been here in a long time so I need to see all the changes."

"Good. Thanks Daddy." Ren hugged Sanji tightly grateful his Daddy always made him feel special.

"Why don't we go exploring tomorrow after breakfast. Tonight you can help me with dinner." Sanji picked his son back up and walked to the boy's bunk room where Ren's things were.

"Daddy why are we here?" Ren asked as his father stood him up on the floor.

"The galley isn't set up for you to help but I have an idea." Sanji dug through Ren's bag and pulled out one of Sanji's old t-shirts that he wore when he was younger that Ren took to wearing as pajamas. It was big and hung well past Ren's knees but it would serve as a perfect apron. He put it over Ren's head then removed the boy's shoes. "Now you can sit on the counter and help."

Ren was in awe. He knew sitting on the counter was a huge no no. Really touching the counter with anything other than clean hands could get him in trouble. It was okay in the upstairs kitchen but the restaurant's kitchen that was strictly enforced. He knew his Daddy really wanted him to help.

Back in the kitchen Sanji sat Ren on the counter and handed him the rolls to coat with butter and honey. Sanji kept two aside for Zoro so they would only get butter no honey. Sanji put the finishing touches on the meal then pulled out platters. Ren helped him plate the food adding garnishes. Sanji sat Ren down and the little boy sat the table while his father carried the platters over. "Why don't you go call everyone."

"Okay." Ren stepped out the door. He wasn't sure what to do. He saw a dinner bell up high too far for his reach. "Um dinner's ready." He had said it slightly above a normal speaking voice yet it caught his uncle's attention. Luffy jumped from his seat at the figure head and started running yelling about food which caught the other's attention. Before the little boy knew it he had most of the men running his way. With a squeak he jumped to the side as the crew poured in.

Ren had been trying to sleep in the boy's bunk at night while his Daddy and Dad slept in their room. He had slept in different rooms from his Daddy most of his life and while on the Baratie that was fine. Sometimes in the early morning or if he had a bad dream he would slip into Daddy or Boompa's bed and cuddle. If they went somewhere overnight and slept somewhere else Ren preferred to sleep with his Daddy. He could admit to himself that he was scared but would deny it if anyone else suggested it. He got used to Uncle Mihawk's ship but the Thousand Sunny was still new to him.

In the boy's bunk room there were new sounds Ren had not gotten used to. Such as random sleep talking or even shouting. There were even a few rubbery limbs that had smacked him while their owner slept on. He was ok with that it was the odd creaking the ship did at times that scared him. It wasn't anything he knew and it would wake him up every time. He would slip from bed and quietly walk to his Daddy and Dad's room open the door and slid into bed by his Daddy. He loved his Dad but his Daddy was his comfort, his constant.

He had woken up this time due to a bad dream. He had it before and it creeped him out more than anything. He grabbed his whale plush and walked to his Daddy quickly. He jumped in bed shaking Sanji's shoulder. "Daddy."

"Wha' lay down." Sanji said sleepily. Zoro propped himself up on an elbow to see what was going on.

"But Daddy I had that dream." Ren insisted.

"Ok come on." Sanji got up picked up Ren and walked to the bathroom.

Zoro was confused to say the least. He got up and followed them. He watched as Sanji started filling the bath tub then stripped Ren and started scrubbing him clean with a wash rag and soap. Once done he poured a bucket of water over his head then put him in the tub. The swordsman watched as they went about it quietly neither having to say a word. He felt more left out than ever.

After about twenty minutes of Ren swimming around in the water Sanji asked, "Better?" The boy nodded stood up with his arms raised and Sanji pulled him from the water and began to dry him. He put him back in his pajamas and carried him to bed.

Zoro followed. The three of them got back in bed with Ren in the middle. His two loved ones went quickly to sleep cuddled against each other as Zoro felt an ache in his heart. He had no idea what just happened only that his son had a bad dream and Sanji knew how to fix it. Neither had felt the need to include him they just went about their way. He didn't want to take away what they had but he wished he knew how long it would be before his son went to him when something was wrong and he could fix it. He wanted to know how long it would be before they could communicate with just a few words. Honestly he just wanted to know how long it would be before he could actually have a conversation with his son without getting a confused or bored look in response to his rambling attempt.

Zoro had been feeling lost numerous times. He thought he had an angle to learn how to be a dad. He thought watching Sanji would be the easiest way but he realized that father and son had a way to interact that let no others in as they had been together since Ren's birth. They could anticipate the other and read the other. They had memories Zoro would never know. Things that seemed insignificant to them or things they just failed to share but had built up a strong relationship between the two. Up until a few days ago Ren's entire life had been without him. He felt like he kept reaching out only to grasp smoke

It had hurt Zoro when he would awake in the morning and find Ren cuddled to Sanji's side. He had only slept between them twice now and both times put there by his Daddy. Zoro hoped he would find his footing soon and no longer feel left out. He wanted what the two of them had.

The next morning Zoro woke up alone which was normal for all the years Sanji was gone but since he was back it was new and off putting. He felt the Cook's side of the bed and it was cold. Part of him felt like Sanji was still gone though the more rational side knew his lover was back just left the bed without waking him or giving him a morning kiss. It brought up thoughts that had been running through his head recently. He had been feeling left out of his son's life, now he felt left out of the Cook's life.

Zoro knew it was irrational to think that way. His partner loved him he knew that for a fact. Maybe the swordsman reasoned he had just been deep asleep and the other man had tried to wake him but couldn't so he left. He remembered back to the times before Sanji left. When they slept together he was like the dead. The crew had always nagged him he could sleep through anything which was partially true. His naps were always more a form of meditation. He would use that time to reach out with his senses and Haki to the world around him so at night he was tired. Having his lover beside him relaxed him and let him slip into a deep slumber. Zoro wondered if he was returning to that state of comfort.

Either way he dressed and strapped his swords to his hip. He walked out of the bedroom to the galley following the smells of pancakes cooking. He wanted to talk to Sanji to find out what last night had been about. His son had obviously been bothered by something and somehow the bath helped. He needed to know why.

Before he even reached the galley he could hear father and son laughing loudly. He opened the door and saw Sanji at the stove expertly flipping pancakes as Ren clapped happily asking for him to do it even higher. His Daddy complied and flipped the last one where it barely missed the ceiling in its turn. The little boy roared with laughter then returned back to squashing berries for toppings.

Zoro thought about leaving but the other two turned to him with big grins of their faces.

"Hi Marimo." Sanji said.

"Hi Dad!" Ren waved as he sat on the counter in Sanji's old shirt. "Come lookit. Oh wait you don't like cooking nevermind."

Zoro felt like that was a huge invitation. "No I like cooking. I can cook some things. What did you want to show me?"

Ren held up a handful of yellow berries that had a curly vines attached to the stem. He burst out laughing. "It looks like Daddy."

Zoro pulled one of the vines and held it up to Sanji's face he saw the twitch of annoyance but continued anyway. He laughed with his son. "It does look like Daddy."

"Oh no." Sanji said pulling the pancakes from the stove. "You two are not going to gang up on me."

Ren leaned over trying to wrap an arm over Zoro's shoulder in a sign of comradery but failing. "But it's fun."

Zoro wrapped an arm around the little boy delighted. "Yeah Cook."

Sanji shot forward and Zoro went to block only to realize Sanji began tickling Ren. He thought yet again how much Sanji had changed. Ren squirmed and giggled breathlessly at the onslaught. When Sanji stopped Ren turned to his Dad and tried to tickle the swordsman. Zoro had never been ticklish but went along with it as it made his son and partner happy. Both were laughing as he pretended to laugh and move but never leaving the boy's side.

Sanji knew every inch of Zoro's skin and how it would react to his touch so he knew Zoro wasn't ticklish and was just doing it for Ren. It thrilled him to have this moment just the three of them. He let it go on for a bit then said "Alright back to work."

They continued on finishing up the meal then sat the table. Ren called the crew and everyone came tumbling in and dug in. Zoro had felt much better during that meal.

Sanji had every intention of showing Ren around the ship after he finished cleaning up from breakfast but Luffy had other ideas. Their captain decided Ren needed to play with them and drug the little boy outside where they played on the swing and slide then moved to the grass playing with Ren's toys. Sanji was happy his nakama had taken to his son so quickly.

When Sanji was done in the kitchen he went to the bathroom. Chopper had made a pleasant smelling concoction to strip the black dye from his hair. He took his clothes off wet his hair then began to scrub through the wet strands with the concoction. He could see the black around his fingers. He rinsed out his hair then went back at it again until the black was gone. He leaned over to the mirror and checked only to see his blond hair back. It had been years of having the black hair and he missed his natural hair color. He knew Zoro missed it too as he made a few remarks over the days that he had been back.

Sanji reached out using observation Haki saw his son was still playing and decided a bath would be nice. He filled the tub and sank down. He lit up a cigarette then fully relaxed inhaling his favorite poison.

Zoro had been looking for Sanji and found him in the water. He considered trying to talk to him another time but the blond, and he was very happy to see he was back to blond, was a bit trapped so he took the opportunity. "Hey." Zoro sat down at the side of the tub and rested against the wall.

"Hey. Wanna join me?" Sanji asked.

"No. I want to talk." Zoro said.

Sanji considered the other man's tone and body language. Zoro was clearly upset about something. He had a feeling he knew what it was about. "Ok. I'm listening."

"What was last night about?" Zoro asked.

Sanji considered playing dumb for a moment to irk the swordsman but decided against it. "Ren had a bad dream and bathing is the only way to set his mind at ease."

That didn't help Zoro at all. "Yeah but why?"

Sanji shivered involuntarily at the memory. "Ok so you know I hate bugs. I hate all things buggy. Well Ren is worse always has been. A little after we set sail with Mihawk we stopped at this island. It wasn't much, no village to speak of but a good little forest. We got out to get supplies and so Mihawk could stretch. He got to show off his bigger feats to Ren and sliced down half of the forest in the process. Anyway I was walking through the forest with Ren beside me. He tripped over a fallen tree and landed in this mud puddle. It started moving Marimo. There were tons of bugs in the puddle and started crawling all over him. I froze until he started crying and screaming. I picked him up and jumped in a nearby lake washing him off. He's had nightmares since then but they're getting better. He always feels better after a bath." Sanji finished his cigarette and put it out.

That made sense to Zoro. "That's good to know."

Sanji reached out to Zoro and held his hand. "Is that all you wanted to know?"

Zoro shook his head and Sanji could see that hurt look again. He had seen it a few times since Zoro met his son and he thought it was going away but he was wrong. "If there is anything you want to know all you have to do is ask."

Zoro looked away and pulled his hand back the resentment he thought was buried reared up. "I shouldn't have to ask. I should have been there."

Sanji stepped out of the water and wrapped a towel around himself. He sat down next to Zoro leaning against him. "I'm sorry my love. I know I can never make it up but I will try."

Zoro let out a resigned sigh. He still felt hurt but the anger was leaving. It didn't mean it wouldn't come back but for now it was gone. He put an arm around Sanji and pulled him close. "I know. It just… hurts. I just… don't leave me out any longer. I feel like there is this huge gulf between me and him and it feels that way with you at times."

Sanji swallowed hard fighting the surge of emotions. He turned to Zoro hugging him tightly. "I promise I'll do better. I'll share as many stories as I remember and include you in all things. I can't lose you. And don't worry our son will come around once he gets to know you better. He already loves you."

"He loves the person in your stories." Zoro replied releasing the hug.

"Yeah well they are all true. He knows the good and bad parts of you. I left out our intimate times but he knows everything else." Sanji explained.

"Ok. Then you need to do the same for me. Tell me everything that happened since you left and everything about our son." Zoro said with that look of unwavering determination.

"Deal."

After their little heart to heart in the bathroom Sanji dressed and went back on deck to check on Ren. His son and Chopper were sitting next to each other on the swing sailing through the air a little high for Sanji. He trusted the others to catch him if he fell though. Next to them Luffy had turned himself in to his own swing. He had his rubbery arms over the tree and hands under his legs swinging back and forth. Sanji shook his head only on this ship would he find people as crazy as that.

"Are you having fun?" Sanji asked.

Ren laughed then launched off the swing on an upswing. "Daddy catch."

Sanji caught the boy who was still laughing though his father was near a freak out. "You're gonna be the death of me you have to be more careful."

Three chimed in with a "sorry" his son, captain and doctor. Sanji gave the adults a glare which caused them to look sheepish. He knew his little boy's jump wasn't the first time. He would have to watch what they taught him.

"Daddy! What did you do?" Ren asked loudly.

The call drew a few of his other nakama around. "What do you mean?" Sanji asked.

"Your hair. Why's it different?" Ren ran his little hands through his father's hair.

"This is what I was born with." Sanji explained.

"Sanji-kun you look like yourself again." Nami exclaimed.

"Thank you my beautiful Nami-swan!" Sanji replied in a modest swoon with Ren still on his hip.

Robin gave a small smile. "A certain someone is probably happier now."

Sanji smiled. "Yes he is."

"There was a reason I made Zo-bro his own room." Franky said as quietly as he could which came out more like Robin's volume still audible to those around him.

Usopp shivered. "Yeah he started talking in his sleep when you left. Sometimes it was really personal stuff." Usopp blushed along with Franky making Sanji think of all the things Zoro could say. "But it wasn't just that. The longer he would go without talking to you or getting a letter and he would get real dark and it would be all the things he would do to our worst enemies."

"Oh." Sanji said.

They saw how Sanji went quiet and still and Ren looked at all of them confused. "It's ok little bro." Franky placed his little hand on Ren's back making his eyes go wide. "Your Dad just really missed your Daddy and his blond hair."

After dinner once everyone was fed and calmer Sanji began to explain his life after leaving the Sunny years ago. He started by telling of the ships he got rides from then jumped to the part he knew some of his nakama would be happy to hear. "I met this man called Jonno who had a flying airship."

"Did he have devil fruit powers?" Luffy asked.

"What was the engine like?" Franky asked.

Sanji laughed he knew they would be thrilled. He could hear Franky and Usopp quietly talking to each other over plans. "There was a boat with an air balloon attached. He kept it filled with hot air from a stove and guided it with a rudder. Our speed was dependent on how fast the wind was." Franky and Usopp put their heads back together and mumbled some more. "Then he took me to the Baratie and I stayed there until I came here."

"He didn't notice you were pregnant?" Robin asked.

Sanji blushed remembering their conversation. "Ah… yes… he did. He thought I was a girl hiding as a man. So I let him think that." Sanji saw Zoro smirking. He could imagine what he was thinking.

"Did you wear a dress?" Luffy innocently asked.

Sanji wanted to kick him then and there but held back. "Um… well… yes. But only because I was huge by then and me and the old man had to go to an island to get baby supplies and ask how to take care of a baby! It was only once dammit!" Zoro's smirk grew Sanji wanted to kick him now.

The questions started flying "did you wear a wig" and "what color was the dress" and "did you make a pretty girl?" Sanji threw his hands up in despair. He just had to tell them.

Sanji looked to Ren who was smiling happily next to his Dad. Sanji knew he would wear hundreds of dresses if it meant keeping his angel safe. "Anyway! That's where we met Boomma sorry Kureha and convinced her to help. She put me on bed rest right away and I was threatened with having both legs broken if I didn't listen so I did. Not long after I went into labor and had Ren." He looked to Zoro. "Marimo remember our three year anniversary?" Zoro nodded. "The reason I was a mess was I just had Ren a few hours earlier."

Understanding dawned on Zoro. He hadn't forgotten that call. Sanji had been crying and completely honest in everything he felt for him. He had even asked if they had a son what would Zoro want his name to be. He had said he would want Sanji to name him. It seemed like an odd call at the time. Zoro just thought Sanji had been overwhelmed and drunk at that time. Sanji's mind tended to drift to odd topics when he was drinking so Zoro dismissed it but for some reason the memory always hung around. "I remember it all. You did pick a good name. Ren is a perfect name. It makes even more sense now."

That night as the two fathers lay in bed Sanji told Zoro more. "That morning I started feeling pains. At first I thought Ren might be in trouble but Boomma said, I mean Kureha sorry it's hard to break the habit, she said that it was time. After that it was a chaos and I don't remember much because she drugged me but I do remember her putting this tiny baby on my chest. Me and the old man held him there until she was done stitching me up. The old geezer gave our son his first bath to get all the crap off him. I was out of it until that night when I called you. I missed you so much. I really wished you had been there."

Zoro wished the same but knew they couldn't change the past they could only move forward. After all they were on a ship full of dreamers always living in the moment and looking ahead to the future. They only had to look back when it came and slapped them in the face. This would never be one of those times.

Ren was feeling a little more comfortable around the ship so while his Daddy worked on lunch he decided to explore. He clutched his whale Laboon in one hand just for safe keeping he told himself.

He first went to the infirmary where Boomma's son Chopper was writing in a journal. He stood in the doorway until the reindeer acknowledged him. "Hi Ren! Are you hurt?"

The little boy shook his head. "No. I just wanted to say hi. I'm exploring."

"Awesome!" Chopper jumped up and pulled Ren inside where he started to show off his pride and joy.

Ren wasn't sure what most of the words were. He had heard Boomma say them before but he just nodded and smiled as the doctor babbled. There were a few fun things he got to see and Chopper's swivel chair was fun to spin on. After a few minutes Ren told Chopper that he was going to explore more but he wanted to play again.

Ren went further in where the workshops were. It was well lit in there but his Daddy told him that explosion were common place down there. He had a feeling his Daddy scared him on purpose but he couldn't shake the small fear of the place. The smells were strange to him and strong to his nose.

He heard Franky singing as he worked on a new weapon. Usopp was close by working on something else. They saw him.

"Hey little bro." Frank said.

"Hi Ren" Usopp said.

Ren puffed up his chest forgetting to be afraid. "I'm exploring."

"Come in." Usopp gestured to a seat near them both.

Ren came in looking around as he made his way to the seat. It wasn't scary after all. He watched them work as he asked questions. They loved having someone else interested in their work.

Franky had an idea and quickly began to craft a train car for Ren. "This is a sea train I'm making." He then told the small boy about the trains and Water Seven. Ren had heard from his Daddy about that place but he knew Uncle Franky lived there. He listened as he watched Franky's hands move quickly until a train car was made.

Uncle Franky handed it to him. "Thanks Uncle Franky!" Ren said.

"You can use my paints to paint it." Usopp said.

Ren turned to him. "Thanks Uncle Usopp."

Usopp started laughing. "I just thought of something funny. Aren't uncles supposed to teach the nephews all the fun stuff?"

Franky smiled. "Yeah we are."

Usopp shot from his seat. "Just a moment." Then ran out the door. In a few minutes he ran back with a small bag and a small slingshot he handed both to Ren.

Ren smiled he had seen the things Uncle Usopp could do with his kabuto. "Wow."

"Now it can't do things like my kabuto because I'm only giving you little pellets. I don't want to be killed by your dads. But you can shoot it." Usopp explained. He then showed Ren how to load and shoot the slingshot.

Ren laughed happily. He was going to have fun with this.

With his new bag over his shoulder now filled with his train, slingshots and pellets Ren continued on. He next came to the dark aquarium room filled with the sounds of the piano. It sounded like a song his Daddy sang to him a lot.

"Hi." Ren said.

The funny skeleton with the large afro turned to him. "Yohohoho hello young Ren."

The boy walked in no longer weary of the tall dead man. He had heard stories of him and once he saw him it was a bit scary but now he was used to him and liked him. Ren sat on the piano seat next to Brook. "Was that… Bink's sake?"

"Yohoho you are correct! Do you want me to play it?" Brook asked.

"Yes Uncle Brook." Ren craned his neck up with a large smile.

Brook began the song loving the sound of the little boy's voice as he sang with him. He was glad to still be alive to meet a new generation and share his stories.

After the song Ren remembered something. "Oh lookit." He picked up his whale plush and handed it to Brook. "This is Laboon."

Brook held the plush tempted to cry at the memory of his friend that was left behind. "Why did you name him Laboon?"

Failing to see the emotions in the skeleton Ren talked happily. "Boompa bought it for me and told me I could name it. Daddy told me all about Laboon he said you were his friend when he was little and you wanted to see him again. When we came to find Dad we passed by him but Uncle Mihawk wouldn't stop to say hi." He huffed. "Rude."

That broke Brook out of this sadness and he began to tell about the little whale who made friends with the Rumbar pirates.

Lunch was called and Brook scooped Ren up running to the galley to try to get food before their captain.

After lunch Ren helped his Dad and Daddy do dishes. He had fun with them but he was back to exploring. He found Robin and Jinbei in the library. They were both a bit quiet for him but once he asked about where they came from they took turns telling stories of their old homes.

Ren listened with fascination. Ohara sounded like a place that was all school but his Auntie Robin was happy there. The stories from the fishman were fun but he felt bad because Ren had eaten so many fish he began to wonder if they were his uncle's family or friends.

Jinbei caught on to the worried look and odd questions. "The fish you eat are not like us. It's okay to eat fish."

Ren gave a quick nod relieved. He didn't think Daddy would feed him friends but maybe Daddy didn't know.

He continued on and found Auntie Nami in the chart room. She made him set all his toys by the door before he came in. Then she picked him up and sat him on her lap as she showed him a few maps.

They were squiggly lines and other drawings to Ren but he knew very important to his auntie. He kept his hands off the table and didn't touch anything while he was in there.

His Auntie Nami could be scary at times but she was usually sweet to him. She told him about his Daddy and how he used to be crazy around any girl but fell for his Dad. "Sanji-kun is so much calmer than he used to be. Since you came around he barely flirts at all. Don't be like how he was. Treat a lady nice but listen to her and know she can do anything you can do."

Ren tilted his head to the side thinking. "Do girls like flowers? Cause Daddy said all ladies are pretty and need flowers."

Nami smiled. "You only should give flowers to the girls you like."

After a bit Ren left her and kept walking on. He felt much closer to his family now.

The little boy found his Dad napping in the mikan trees. He ran and jumped on him just like he does with his Daddy. Zoro let out a grunt and sat up putting his arms around Ren. "Oi why'd you do that?"

"That's how I wake Daddy up when I'm happy about something." Ren told him.

Zoro smiled. His son was happy and came to him to share it. "What made you happy today?"

Ren pulled out his new toys from his bag. "A slingshot and a train I can paint."

Zoro looked at the slingshot. Usopp was going to be in trouble when the cook found out. "Those look fun. Do you want to start training with me tomorrow?"

Ren jumped up. "Yes!"

"Ok good. Well I'm going back to sleep I have watch tonight. You can nap with me. Naps are important to any swordsman." Zoro said it as if it was the same golden rule as taking care of your weapons.

Ren hesitated. "Uh I haven't talked to Uncle Luffy yet can I go do that?"

"Sure." Zoro said settling back down for his nap.

Ren left his stuff on the ground and walked over to Uncle Luffy. He began to crawl up and over to the figure head but heard his Daddy yell. "Ren stop!"

Ren froze as Sanji sky walked over in a flash and picked him up setting him back on the deck. "You can't go out there."

Ren's bottom lip began to tremble why was his Daddy so mad at him? Sanji picked him back up hugging him rocking back and forth as Zoro and Luffy looked on in stunned silence. "It's okay. I just don't want you falling sweetheart."

Ren sat back up and mushed Sanji's hair out of the way with his hands. "I won't Daddy Uncle Luffy would catch me."

Sanji grimaced of course Luffy would catch him but he still didn't want it happening. "Hold on Ren. Franky!" The large cyborg popped his head out. "I need a harness and a life jacket."

"On it." Franky began to quickly move about on deck until he came back with a little life jacket and rope tied to it. They fit Ren into it.

Ren looked down at himself then back to all the others. Uncle Luffy peered at him smiling widely. "Daddy why do I have to wear this and Uncle Luffy doesn't?"

"Because he's expendable and you're not." Sanji said.

"What's expendable?" Ren asked.

Finally Luffy yelled. "Hey! I'm not!"

Sanji laughed with Zoro looking at him like he was crazy. "I know you're not. Trust me I do." Sanji looked to Zoro and kept eye contact. "People have done things for you that you don't even know because we all know you will be the king of the pirates." He looked back to Luffy. "I was just seeing if you knew what it meant."

Luffy gave him a puzzled look and didn't think he would get much farther. He stretched his arms out and picked up Ren then sat him next to him. "That's right I am going to be king of the pirates. Hey Ren what's your dream now?"

Ren sat next to his uncle looking out at the calm blue water. "I don't know."

Luffy wrapped an arm around the boy. "That's okay. You already made one dream come true right?"

"Mmhmm. Well Daddy helped." Ren answered.

The captain stared out to sea. "It seems 8 is a big year for most of us so you have some time."

The two continued to sit on the figure head as Luffy told stories about their adventures. Ren listened until his head began to nod. "I'm gonna go nap with Dad ok."

"Sure." Luffy stretched again moving Ren back on deck.

Sanji sat against Zoro between his legs talking. When Ren came back down Sanji unhooked the life vest.

"Daddy I'm tired." Ren rubbed his eyes. "Dad can we nap now?"

Sanji and Zoro shared a smile. Sanji had been sharing more of Ren's stories with Zoro as they waited for him to come back over. "Sure."

Ren came over and sat on Zoro's lap burying his face against his chest and pulling the blanket Sanji had brought out over them.

Sanji walked off after giving them both a kiss. "Ren?"

"Hmm Dad." The little muffled voice came out.

"What was your first dream that you and Uncle Luffy were talking about?" Zoro asked.

Ren giggled. "Silly Dad. Even Uncle Luffy knows. It was to meet you."

Zoro tightened his arms around his son. His eyes misted and his throat and chest felt tight. "I love you Ren."

Ren sighed in contentment. "I love you too Dad."